Pericles, Greek Statesman, Orator, 429 B.C.

I’ve had the privilege of living during the terms of thirteen U.S, Presidents.  I’ve heard them give fireside chats, press interviews, inauguration speeches and graduation commemorations.  There have been memorable moments and quotable phrases during some of those talks, but last night’s Farewell Address put Barack Obama in the orator class – right up there with the orators of classical times and but a few others in our own lifetime.

That Obama made the case for his legacy is a given.  That’s what out-going presidents do.  But that his theme throughout was democracy and what we all need to do to keep it in good health – that is the message that will resonate.  Especially during the next four year.  Perhaps for even longer.

President Barack Obama 2017

We recorded the speech and I have no doubt that we will listen to it again.  Perhaps Barack Obama will prove to be the last president of my lifetime with the capacity to clearly see our role in the world as standard-bearers for democracy.  Perhaps he is the last true gentleman who will live and work in the White House – last man of true goodness of character.

However our future plays out, his Farewell Address will continue to be inspirational and a reminder that there are still good, sensible, intelligent people among us – even in leadership roles!